Algerian Women’s National Football Team Bows Out of AFCON with Dignity

On the evening of August 12, 2026, the Algerian women's national football team faced a disappointing exit from the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON), succumbing to a 3-1 defeat against Malawi in the semi-finals of the tournament held in Marrakech. The match was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding a pivotal decision by the referee, which saw defender Morgan Belkhither issued a direct red card in the 23rd minute. This incident reignited debates regarding the quality of officiating in African football, especially when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had appointed a Nigerian referee along with assistants from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo for this critical match.

VAR Controversy and Referee’s History in African Football

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room included Senegalese referee Issa Sy, who had previously come under scrutiny for his officiating during the men’s African Cup of Nations, leading to Algeria's elimination in the quarter-finals earlier this year. Notably, the Nigerian referee consulted with Sy before making the decision to issue the red card to Belkhither, a move that has drawn significant backlash from fans and analysts alike. Sy's past controversies had already seen him barred from officiating at the World Cup the previous June due to his questionable decisions during the African tournament.

Throughout the match, Algerian goalkeeper Klouei Nagazi conceded three goals in the 33rd, 45+1, and 76th minutes, while Malawi's Rose Kadiri was sent off in the first-half stoppage time. Algerian forward Ikram Ajabi managed to score and reduce the deficit in the 60th minute, but it was not enough to turn the tide. As the tournament progresses, the Algerian team, under coach Farid Benstiti, will now prepare to contest the third-place playoff against the winner of the match between Cameroon and the host nation, Morocco. Despite the defeat, the Algerian women's team has achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semi-finals and qualifying for the upcoming World Cup set to take place in Brazil in the summer of 2027.

As reported by echoroukonline.com.